Spring and summer bring nice weather and fun vacations but, unfortunately, also hay fever. Pollen-induced allergy symptoms can flare up in a short walk through Hampton Park. However, pollen may not be the only thing causing your sneezing. Research suggests a possible link between allergies and thyroid disorders.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, can cause a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure. Hay fever is a response to allergens like pollen, dust mites and pet dander.
A good way to identify allergies is to try removing or minimizing contact with different allergens where possible. You can do this by:
- Closing your windows to prevent pollen in the home.
- Bathing your pets regularly to prevent dander.
- Vacuuming and dusting regularly to prevent dust mites.
Allergy testing from a medical provider is another option to help identify and treat allergies.
Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders
Autoimmune thyroid disorders occur when the immune system attacks healthy tissues in the thyroid. Symptoms include fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, dry skin, puffy face, weight gain, depression and more.
Because thyroid disorders can cause allergy symptoms due to an overactive immune system, it is a good idea to be tested for thyroid conditions when experiencing intense hay fever symptoms to determine the root cause.
Complications from untreated thyroid disorders include:
- Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid)
- Heart problems
- Mental health issues
- Sexual and reproductive dysfunction
- Myxedema (can trigger a coma and requires immediate medical attention)
How are Allergies and Thyroid Disorders Linked?
It’s unclear why there appears to be a strong correlation between hay fever and thyroid disorders. A study on the relationship found that “the incidence of HT (Hashimoto thyroiditis) in the general population is 1.5%; in contrast, it was observed in 16.3% of our patients with AR (allergic rhinitis), which represented a much higher rate than that in the overall population.”
Due to the possible side effects of untreated thyroid conditions, being tested to identify the cause of severe hay fever is strongly recommended. Contact Charleston ENT & Allergy to make an appointment with an allergy specialist today.